October last year we moved back to Eindhoven. The old piano at the old apartment (3rd floor - no elevator!) was given away because we couldn't lift it. If we have wanted to bring it with us, we would have had to pay almost 500 euros for a piano mover (without a mover, it was just out of question).
Instead of spending the money for a mover, I've spent the money for a digital piano. Very convenient, I thought, I could play (or practice! there's a difference ;) anytime I want. I've also decided that now it's time to really get back to playing again.
So, my digital piano brings a lot of convenience in that matter. In fact I now practice mostly at midnight or before bed. However, quality wise? Nothing can bet the real acoustic piano! The sound is not much of a problem, but the touch sensitivity! The digital one just doesn't seem to respond to me quite well. You want to put your soul into it, but it functions merely as a piece of equipment!
On top of that, this evening I just found another problem. Pedalling! Having had very little experience with pedals, I don't quite know how to use it properly. And now that I need it for some Romantic work, the pedal on my digital piano just doesn't mimic the real pedal. So, when my teacher said, "Stop here, do you know what you will say if you were to criticize yourself?", I know right away where this was going to go.
When my teacher comments on my playing, I know that most of the time it must be because of my technique (or the lack of it, having not played for 6 years now). However, I think most of it is also because I practice on a digital piano. Some examples:
1. "Hold the note, the counterpoint should be clear here!" (yeah, now you are on the acoustic piano, you can hear that the note is missing.. while on the digital one, the sound of the note has gone after a couple of beats so doesn't matter you hit it or not..)
2. "Don't be afraid of a real forte!" (yeah, now I hear how loud it is on the acoustic piano, I feel a bit not confident with the sound... is it really THAT loud?)
3. "Play all notes accurately!"
etc, etc...
Of course, I could have told him that I've been practicing on a digital piano so he can understand where some of my problems come from.. but I just don't have the heart to say it!
I think if I have said that, he would have fainted or screamed GET A REAL PIANO!!!
Like I've told myself every single time after the lesson! For me now, I'd kill for my old piano, even with some keys out-of-tune! (OK, can't afford getting a real piano for now, money-wise, convenience-wise,.. but I will contemplate on getting a better pedal!)
